Vancouver Canucks Activate Filip Chytil

As expected, the Vancouver Canucks announced they’ve activated center Filip Chytil from injured reserve. The oft-injured forward began the season on Vancouver’s injured reserve due to a shoulder injury. The news comes only a few minutes after the Canucks traded center Aatu Räty to the Toronto Maple Leafs, creating a roster spot for Chytil.

Chytil, 27, was acquired from the New York Rangers in the trade that sent J.T. Miller eastbound in 2025. Chytil was considered a risky acquisition, having played only 10 games the previous season. Still, he was relatively healthy leading up to the trade, scoring 11 goals and 20 points in 41 contests with a +4 rating.

Unfortunately, despite being rostered on the Canucks since January 2025, Chytil has appeared in only 27 games. A few months after Vancouver acquired him, Chytil received a high hit from Jason Dickinson, who was then with the Chicago Blackhawks, which prematurely ended his 2025-26 season due to a concussion.

Chytil started the 2025-26 season healthy, but that didn’t last long. Chytil suffered another concussion six games into the season, sidelining him until late January. He appeared in another six games for the Canucks before chronic migraine conditions took him out of action for another two weeks. In a twisted turn of luck, as he was recovering from his migraines, Chytil was struck in the face by a puck at practice, ending his campaign due to a facial fracture.

Fortunately, although he began the season on the injured reserve, at least it had nothing to do with his head. Regardless, although he’s fully recovered from his shoulder injury, Chytil will have to play as risk-averse as possible. The former first-round pick has had between five and six documented concussions in his professional career. If it happens again, it could end his playing career, if not worse.